“The Carmagnoles”

Description

In 1793 the French planted "a symbol of great Liberty." In 1794 "they gave to Flanders liberty." June 1 the French convoy was saved from British attack. The Batavian line extends freedom to the Netherlands. Kings and drones will "tumble unlamented"

Notes

Moylan: "The 'Great Batavian Line' refers to the regime established by the French revolutionaries in the Netherlands." - BS

Moylan's description of the battle pretty well sums up the result of the June 1 battle: It helped the current French government survive. But the British name for the battle reveals something about how the winners felt about the result: They called it "The Glorious First of June." And the French losses would weaken their fleet for years, and the psychological blow was also significant. - RBW

Historical references

  • 1793 - French Revolution: France declares war on Great Britain and Holland (source: Moylan)
  • June 1-3, 1794 - "[Admiral] Villaret-Joyeuse's squadron was attacked off Ouessant by Admiral Howe and lost seven ships in the three-day battle. Nevertheless he kept the way clear for the hundred grain transports to reach the port of Brest, which was on the verge of starvation. (source: Moylan)

References

  1. Moylan 20, "The Carmagnoles" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. BI, Moyl020

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1796 (_Paddy's Resource_(Philadelphia), according to Moylan)